Spring fever is here...

Spring officially arrived at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Sunday, March 20, and with spring this old man's fancy turns to... soccer.

To be honest, my thoughts never stray too far from soccer (or football/fútbol/calcio, depending on where you're from). The English Premier League, the FA Women's Super League and other European club competitions keep me entertained throughout the winter, there's usually a decent international tournament every summer and, while I'm not a huge fan of any particular MLS team, I can often be found watching whatever game I happen to find on TV.

But spring in Manitoba is special for the soccer community, as it means soccer registration is on in full swing and players and coaches begin planning for a new season – checking equipment, buying new boots and kicking balls against fences and walls on whatever patch of dry ground they can find. Heck, I still do it.

I played the game for 35 years, then coached my sons' teams for another 12, and I vividly remember hoping for warm April weather so that pitches would dry out properly and we could get some proper practice in before the playing season begins in May.

After a couple of years of on-again, off-again play, the Manitoba Soccer Association, the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association and their affiliated leagues, from youth soccer all the way up to old-timers, are ready and raring to go.

Parents interested in registering their children should check registration details with their local community clubs and they can also learn more about how youth and adult soccer is organized by visiting both the Manitoba Soccer Association and Winnipeg Youth Soccer Assocation web pages.

As with every sport, the local soccer community always needs coaches, volunteers and officials, so if you're interested, see the websites above.

Now, before I hear from the baseball and softball people, I should also say that those sports are also looking forward to a full season, and those interested in getting involved or registering their kids should follow the same course of action – check with your local community centre and also visit the Baseball Manitoba, Softball Manitoba web pages, as well as the page of the Winnipeg Minor Baseball Association.

• • •

One of the purposes of this newsletter is to offer a select list of upcoming events and to encourage people to use our event submission page. If you want to learn more about what's going on in and around the city, please visit our Events listings page.

Finally, if someone has forwarded this newsletter to you and you'd like to receive it, you can sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox.

Enjoy the week!

John Kendle, Managing editor, Canstar Community News

EVENTS

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Old St Boniface Residents Association Annual General Meeting • March 23, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Centre Saint-Louis Centre (445 Tissot St.) – Live in St. Boniface? Have concerns or questions about your neighbourhood? We are here to help keep you informed and represent our community's interests regarding issues of concern. You are invited to attend our annual general meeting.

Downtown Winnipeg Farmers' Market • March 24, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Cityplace (333 St. Mary Ave.). More info at downtownwinnipegbiz.com

ASD Sunday Market • Assiniboia Downs, March 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., More than 70 local vendors. Free admission and parking.

The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club Open House • April 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Charleswood Legion Hall (6003 Roblin Blvd.) - Admission by donation. More info at winnipegmodelrailroadclub.blogspot.ca

Concerts

Winterruption

Molly Johnson • March 22, 8 p.m., West End Cultural Centre (586 Elice Ave.) Tickets $35.26 at www.eventbrite.ca

Diaphanie / Rob Knaggs • March 23, 1 p.m., The Forks Market

riel. / Papa Mambo • March 24, 1 p.m., The Forks Market

Dr. Henry / The Bannock Babes • March 25, 1 p.m., The Forks Market

Music 'N' Mavens

Indian City • March 22, 2 p.m., Rady Jewish Community Centre (123 Doncaster St.) – Indian City is  a folk-rock band that captures the spirit and pulse of vibrant Indigenous culture. It just released its fourth album, Code Red, and this performance will be just its second since the passing of founder Vince Fontaine.  through song. Tickets $7 members, $11 non-members at www.radyjcc.net

Sir Luc and The Dukes • March 24, 2 p.m, Rady JCC, March 24, 2 p.m. – Sir Luc and The Dukes closes our 2022 season with Soul, Funk and a little bit of Motown. Tickets $7 members, $11 non-members at www.radyjcc.net

Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

The Chooi Bros with MCO • Westminster United Church, March 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m. – Timothy and Nikki Chooi eam up to perform in a concert featuring Oesterle, Vivaldi, Bach, & Geminiani. Tickets $36 adults, $34 seniors, $15 under 30 at www.themco.ca

Ron Sexsmith • March 25, 8 p.m., West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave.). Tickets $46, $41 at www.eventbrite.ca

Real Love Winnipeg 10th Anniversary

Haviah Mighty • March 25, 8 p.m., Good Will Social Club (625 Portage Ave.) With Mooki, Super Duty Tough Work. Tickets $20 at www.reallovewpg.com

Braids • March 26, 8 p.m., West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave). With Living Hours. Tickets $20 at www.reallovewpg.com

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